Hi Paul
thanks in advance for providing the profile evaluation..
My profile:
1. Demographics:
30 year old Singaporean Chinese, Male.
2. Education
-was selected to be in a special curriculum during high school that provided additional focus on Chinese language and Chinese culture proficiency. (Hence, I see myself as a relatively rare breed of Singaporean executive who is able to understand the Chinese business and political environment and engage China with the best business practices from the West.)
-Awarded an undergraduate scholarship by an IT MNC that comes with a 5 year bond period
-B.S. in Computer Science, minor in Mathematics – National University of Singapore c/o 2002
-GPA: 3.65 with 1st class honors
-Placed in Vice Chancellor List as a senior,the highest award given to a student for outstanding academic and extracurricular activities
-Attended College Study Aborad Program at UC Davis and was on Dean's List
3.GMAT
720 (95%, 49Q –89%, 39V – 88%)
4. Work Experience
Was in the army for 2 years as a platoon sergeant responsible for 20+ soldiers before I enrolled in university. (Also explains why I am relatively older to the others) Led the platoon to the highest combat readiness rating and was given the highest possible performance rating(hardly given to non-commissioned officers and require special justification) when I finished my tour of duty.
After university, worked for the IT MNC that sponsored my undergraduate studies. Was systematically groomed to be familiar with all the lines of business in the company.
i. International experience: Worked on three continents(America, North Asia, Australia)
ii.Work experience in diverse sectors including telecom, tourism, and financial services.
iii. Work nature is diverse, besides the normal IT project deliveries, was also handpicked to be part of the pioneer team in company's first attempt into business process outsourcing. Was also selected by company to work with the Singapore government and a global ebusiness standard consortium to help Singapore to rapidly adopt this standard.
iv. My current appointment is team leader for a data warehouse project.
v. Promoted for two times and received two professional excellence awards in 5 five years
vi biggest professional achievement over the past five years is the conceptualization of a business model that drastically improve the appeal of the ebusiness standard to small and medium enterprises. Was the lead architect in implementing this model as a proof-of-concept to global supply chain players.I feel that the process had demonstrated my leadership,business acumen, creativity and the ability to communicate effectively.
5. College Activities
-Participated in inter-collegiate volleyball championship as team member of University Volleyball team
-Led the university residential hall volleyball team in inter-hall games as team captain
-Led the university residential hall basketball team in inter-hall games as team vice captain
-Vice Chairperson of University Residential Hall Sports Management Unit
-Member of University Health and Fitness Committee
-Photographer of University Residential Hall Annual Hall Magazine
-Did volunteer work as a member of University Residential Hall Volunteer Committee
-College Study Abroad experience to UC Davis
-Teaching assistant in my senior year
-Faculty mentor to 10 freshmen in my senior year
6.Community Experience
Currently a member of Executive Council and head of IT advisory team of Volleyball Association of Singapore, the official body that coordinates all national volleyball activities in Singapore
7. Target schools/preferences
MIT, UCLA, University of Chicago, Cornell, Wharton, Kellogg and maybe CMU
8.Questions
1. Should I retake my GMAT to improve my chance of getting in those ultra competitive schools?
2. I am not sure how unique my profile is as to warrant some attention from the adcom.. I am also quite confused what are the specific aspects that I should emphasize to show my edge?
3. When I look at my diverse work experiences, I am kind of worried that the adcom might view it as a lack of focus. Can you advise?
4. I am thinking to apply to only 3 universities, one each in the bands of long shot, competitive and safety. Do you have any recommendations?